Miss. Gov: Undoing Of America’s Educational System Began With Working Mothers

Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant (R) said Tuesday that an increasing number of working mothers are the root of America’s educational troubles.

In a Washington Post Live discussion with Delaware Gov. Jack Markell (D) and New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez (R) on early childhood literacy, moderator Mary Jordan asked the three participants how America’s educational outcomes became “so mediocre.” Bryant was the first to respond.

“I think both parents started working,” Bryant said. “The mom got in the work place.”

The governor realized the implications of his answer and quickly clarified the response, stressing the role of parents in education.

“In today’s society parents are so challenged,” he said. “They’re working overtime.”